Port of Seattle in FleetMon Explorer
Port of Seattle in FleetMon Explorer
The port of SEATTLE has experienced a shutdown due to a conflict between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
The PMA, an organization representing employers in the US West Coast maritime industry, has claimed that coordinated actions by the ILWU have led to the closure of the Port of SEATTLE.
According to the PMA, the ILWU has refused to dispatch longshore workers to container terminals, forcing the port to shut down. However, the ILWU has countered this claim, asserting that the West Coast ports remain open and accusing the PMA of spreading false information. Willie Adams, ILWU International President, has stated that the West Coast ports are operational, with workers continuing their duties despite the expiration of their collective bargaining agreement.
Since July of the previous year, more than 22,000 workers have been operating without a contract at the West Coast ports. These ports play a crucial role in supply chains and the economy. The unions demand a fair wage increase reflecting the dockworkers’ contributions to the record profits generated by the pandemic cargo boom. Additionally, workers are seeking compensation for the hours worked since the expiration of their contracts.
The ongoing dispute between the ILWU and the PMA has had significant consequences. The West Coast ports have experienced continuous worker slowdowns and stoppages throughout early June, resulting in an estimated $5.2 billion worth of trade stagnating near Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland ports.
The Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC), which represents agricultural shippers, has expressed concern over these disruptions, as they tarnish the reputation of US agricultural exporters as reliable trading partners.
On June 5th, the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest trade association, issued a statement urging President Biden to appoint an independent mediator and address the protracted labor dispute on the West Coast.
